South Shore activists hold forum ahead of Trump inauguration

Activists from across the South Shore will gather this week to discuss ways to encourage and participate in social justice movements during Donald Trump's presidency.

The forum will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5 at the United First Parish Church in Quincy, 1306 Hancock St. The South Shore Peoples Network and the South Shore Coalition For Human Rights are joining up to sponsor the event, along with other local residents who organized the event.

Trump, a Republican businessman from New York, will begin his term as the 45th president of the United States on Jan. 20. The election has stirred anxieties and resistance among left-leaning activists who oppose Trump's fierce rhetoric and hard-line approach on some hot-button issues.

Cameron Bateman, of Quincy, said he and other residents have been energized to get involved in social activism following Trump's election and some of the rhetoric surrounding it. For example, Bateman said some of his daughter's Asian classmates expressed fear they would have to leave Quincy due to Trump's campaign promises to take a tough stance on immigration.

"We feel despondent," Bateman said. "I don't think any of us are prepared to stand by and play defense and pretend we can wrap our arms around our neighbors and act like everything will be OK."

Organizers of the forum will address plans for inauguration weekend and ways that people can plug into existing efforts around anti-racism, reproductive rights, immigration, labor struggles and other issues.

"We have concerns about the immigrant community, given the high number of Asians in Quincy, and we want to hear from everyone, including workers who feel under siege and women and all people concerned about reproductive choice," Bateman said.

Bateman said there are South Shore residents planning to be in Washington D.C. for the inauguration, and others will head to the Boston Common that evening to join a larger group of activists planning a demonstration.